Indian Americans hail Obama's re-election

The Indian American community has welcomed the re-election of United States President Barack Obama, who in his first term appointed a record number of community members to top administration posts.

Elated at his "historic victory", the Indian Americans, who voted overwhelmingly for him, expressed hope that his second term would further strengthen the relationship between India and the US. Even the Republicans, who campaigned against him during the election season, hoped that Obama will be able give a new thrust to the relationship.

"We need to remind President Obama of his promise to Parliament to secure a seat in the United Nations Security Council for India. We also hope that President Obama will be India-friendly on the issue of outsourcing defence treaties, and ensuring US investments in India that would help to create more jobs in both the countries," said Dr Sampat Shivangi, who was a delegate at the Republican National Convention this year.

"I am certain that the warm relationship and the enduring partnership between US and India will continue to grow under the stewardship of President Obama," said George Abraham, president of the Indian National Overseas Congress.

Barack Obama has won a hard fought battle against Mitt Romney and Asian Indians had supported him by a very wide margin, he said, referring to the opinion and exit polls in which the community members voted overwhelmingly for him.

INOC hoped that under Obama, US will not pursue protectionist policies in the future as India continues to open up its market through various reform measures such as FDI in multi-brand retail.

"America as a champion of free market policies cannot revert," it said.

"Historically, the Democratic Party and the Indian National Congress have much in common. Each favoured farmers, laborers, labor unions, and religious and ethnic minorities," INOC (I) USA said.

"They have opposed unregulated business and finance, and favuored progressive income taxes. In recent years, both the parties have adopted a centrist economic and social democratic agenda," it said.

"We hope and pray that President Obama is able to overcome the fiscal and economic challenges facing the US economy which in turn would have a positive impact on the economy of India and the world's economy as well," said Lavika Bhagat Singh, president of the Washington Chapter of the Indian National Overseas Congress (I), USA.

Chairman of the Research and Policy Committee, Paul Nehru Tennassee, assessed that the decisive vote of "Hispanics, blacks, gays, youth of all races, a steadfast, significant percentage of women of all races and folks earning under US$ 50,000" were determinants in the election.

"This is an election in which the sum of all minorities was crucial and decisive," he said.

Congratulating Obama pn his re-election, Dr Shivangi said the President has a lot of work ahead.

"I am sure that with the election behind him, he will have more time and energy to devote to creating jobs, improving the economy and reducing the enormous deficits. We also hope he will declare his policies as to how he is going to achieve this," he said.